PRESERVATION OF PLASTICS COLLECTIONS #C99-02

OCTOBER 7-9, 1998

What It's About: This course provides the basics in the chemistry of plastics, with a focus on collections care. Laboratory sessions and demonstrations will supplement lectures and presentations. Topics to be covered include: introductory polymer chemistry; introductory polymet physics; plastics manufacturing; history of plastics; deterioration of plastics, introductory plastics identification; preservation of plastics; and general plastics connoisseurship.

Who Should Attend: This course is tailored to those who will be dealing with plastics collections, particularly conservators and collections managers. The material will be presented at level equivalent to a college course for non-science majors. Some knowledge of basic chemistry is helpful; review materials will be made available before the course for those who need a refresher.